Internal Audit management successfully executes a value add philosophy, investing in the growth of all team members. The majority of the organization is committed to their roles, although it is not generationally diverse. On the other hand, this provides a great deal of opportunity for promotion. Overall, a very positive work experience.

Cons

Because of budget constraints, the IA team must rely heavily on consultants for completion of testing, which leads to a low retention of knowledge.

I like the flexible work hours, nice work-from-home policy, friendly colleagues,job security and constant challenges from different projects. Ameren is very conservative compared with other utilities.

Cons

The cafeteria is horrible. I mean, I don't understand why they can't lease it out to McDonald and KFC to have some competition. The food is expensive, code and terrible. People have to bring their own lunch.

Advice to Management

Change the way we do business. Due to the monopoly on UE side for years, Ameren is like a dinosaur with huge body and little head. The head is little because it doesn't make all decisions based on market, but rather on "old school" ways. Dinosaurs are extinct now.

Good work/life balance, it was not uncommon to see fellow coworkers arriving at 7AM and leaving at 3PM each day. Most people in the company are nice and easy to get along with. Good benefits and a decent match on the 401k. Compensation was good for the amount of work required.

Cons

For those trying to challenge themselves, Ameren might not be the best place to work. There are very few projects, which is partially a function of the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality that is common among utilities. There is simply no urgency to improve processes or look for efficiencies. Along those lines, there is very little room for creative thinking. Workers are expected to do what they are told and nothing else. Promotions are usually based on seniority rather than merit.

Advice to Management

- Be more transparent -- "regular" employees don't really know what management is trying to accomplish - Be more open to new ideas -- the company is conservative, but that doesn't mean it should be closed to new ideas